The Optimus Maximus keyboard is unlike any other keyboard you have ever seen.

The Optimus Maximus, developed by Art. Lebedev Studio, is the world’s first keyboard where each key is a full color 45×45 pixel display capable of moving images. So the letters aren’t painted on the keys, they’re displayed. And they change according to context. For example, press the Caps Lock key, and the letters on the keys actually capitalize.

The fully configurable display is particularly useful when configured to work with specific programs. For example, when you are using Photoshop, you’ll get a paint bucket on one key, a brush on another and so on. Check out the image below.

Want to type in Russian? The keyboard will switch to show Cyrillic. The Configurator software allows for programming every button to reproduce a sequence of symbols and editing the image separately for each layout.

The ambient light sensor allows for having the display’s brightness automatically adjusted up or down depending on whether it’s getting dark or light. Additionally, you can adjust brightness manually. Automatic or manual control is available through the Optimus Configurator software. The keyboard has a slot for inserting SD card. All layouts are stored on the SD card to allow key images to change quickly.

You can watch a flash demo here.

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